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8 Quick and Easy Hairstyles (No Heat Required)

Normally when we think of heat-free hairstyles, it’s in desperation, when the pain and agony of styling our hair in the sweltering heat get to be too much. When we point a blow-dryer at our heads in the middle of December, it might as well be an actual weapon. But those days are still quite distant, so let’s focus on the positive.

Heat-free hairstyles shouldn’t just be a summer styling method—planning a few tool-free styles a week gives your strands a break from the damage that hair dryers, straighteners, and irons wreak on your mane. The best part is that even if you’re pressed for time in the morning (as we often are), you can still put together a beautiful style with minimal effort. Keep scrolling for some heatless styling inspiration!

This tri-bun hairstyle works best with dirty hair, so if you’ve been freely misting your dry shampoo throughout your strands for a few days, you’re on the right track. Head over to Cup of Jo for a full tutorial.

This style can be worn with either short or long locks. Start by placing hair into a low half-ponytail. Then gather the hair and roll upward starting at the ends. Once you get toward the nape of the neck, pull the hair up, and tuck everything into itself, securing with bobby pins.

You can either take the easy way out and pin back your hair with this Brilliant Bobbie Triangle Barrett ($16) from Urban Outfitters, or you can create your own bobby-pin art in the form of a triangle, square, or whichever pattern you choose. This look is simple and pretty with only one side pulled back, but a low half-ponytail would work just as well.

For another upgrade to the average ponytail, try creating a small braid at the side of your head, continuing down to the roots, and securing with a clear elastic hair tie. Next, gather the rest of your hair and place in a ponytail as usual and secure with a regular hair tie. The braid serves as a nice surprise tucked in with an otherwise ordinary ’do.

Are you still trying to master the fishtail braid? No problem—this messy take on the look will help you fake it till you make it. Visit this faux-fishtail tutorial to learn how to create your very own (and see if your friends can tell the difference).

Sometimes a hair accessory is all you need to elevate an otherwise normal hairdo in mere seconds. For this look, place your hair into a low, messy chignon, leaving pieces of hair out on purpose for an ethereal vibe. Next, place a detailed headband like this Golden Flower Halo Headband ($32) over your strands for an instant dose of glam.

Tell us below: Which hairstyle would you like to wear when no heat is involved?